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SINGAPORE: More premium bus services have been added with over 40 running on Singapore roads. These are more exclusive bus services that run certain routes to the city for a higher fare.
Response has been encouraging. SMRT, which runs nine services, has seen a steady increase in ridership numbers. In particular, the number of paseengers on its service 530 from River Valley and service 531 from Simei to the Central Business District (CBD) area has nearly doubled since they were introduced in August 2007.
This has prompted the transport operator to add another two evening service trips to service 531 to meet demand.
With Monday's increase in downtown Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates, some drivers may be enticed to give up their cars for this mode of transport.
Channel NewsAsia's reporters Hoe Yeen Nie and Imelda Saad put it to the test, travelling from central Singapore to Suntec city.
Ms Hoe waited at Hume Avenue, just off Upper Bukit Timah Road, for the 7.40am premium bus service to Suntec City. Meanwhile, Ms Saad drove all the way to Suntec, starting her journey at the same time.
The normal feeder bus service from Upper Bukit Timah Road takes passengers to Bukit Batok MRT station, but they will need to change trains at the Jurong East interchange to get into the CBD. The whole journey takes them over an hour and many commuters are put off by the morning crowds on the trains.
Thus, many prefer the comfort and ease of the premium bus service and it is also cheaper than a taxi.
Ms Saad, who was travelling by car said that traffic was smooth from Bukit Timah, along the PIE into the city, but she had to go through two gantries. Parking was also a breeze.
The whole journey by car took about 30 minutes, while it took 45 minutes by the premium bus service.
The cost of travelling by car from Hume Avenue to Suntec City came up to S$25.40 - S$21.40 for ten hours of parking, S$2.50 for fuel and S$1.50 for ERP charges.
In comparison, taking a premium bus service costs S$6.60 on average. - CNA/vm
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